Surly Cross Check?

Im looking for a cross check for my girl friend, shes 5-8. Im thinking she needs a 54cm, what do you guys think? Also Im having trouble finding one in stock. Im just looking for the frame as its going to be a coustom build.

I'm 5'10" as well with 32" inseam. My CC is a 54cm and feels about right. It's about the same as my 55cm Bianchi cross concept. I run a 100mm stem for better off road handling. A 52cm would probably be best. Crosschecks seem longish in the TT with a low HT to me, so leaning towards a smaller size makes sense. Great frame BTW, even if it's a little on the heavy side.

I'm 5'9", 32" inseam and ride a 56cm CC. The standover clearance is acceptable but borderline, and with large volume tires I might have been better off with a 54cm frame. The bike doesn't feel too large in any other way while I'm riding.

I agree with patirwin. If she's actually racing, get the smaller size. If she's just riding, get the larger size.

Standover height is a useless measurement when you're actually riding the bike and is only important really for offroad riding. Proper TT length/reach and comfortable handlebar height is more important.

Since you're building up the frame yourself, it won't be hard to select a stem and handlebar that gives her proper reach even if the frame size itself is a little off.